Officials urge safety precautions for people, pets as heat peaks

With an angry summer sun beating down and temperatures at or near the century mark this week, area residents are advised to take precautions to guard against heat-related illness.

The National Weather Service issued a Heat Advisory for Tuesday and Wednesday as daytime high temperatures were expected to reach 100 degrees and remain in the mid- to upper 90s for the remainder of the week. Combined with high humidity, it can add heat stress to both man and beast.

“The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible,” the NWS advisory issued Tuesday stated. “Heat index values will rise to around 105 degrees this afternoon (Tuesday) and to 110 degrees Wednesday afternoon.”

Bartlesville police say they are receiving a number of calls regarding pets not being cared for as the summer reaches its peak temperatures.

“We always get calls concerning dogs being chained up in the heat,” said local animal control officer Rita Harvey.

“Don’t put out a small water bowl for the whole day because it goes very fast, and before you know it your dog could be outdoors in the heat with no water.”

Harvey said most of the calls the department is receiving are from people reporting animal abuse or, at minimum, animal neglect, both of which are considered animal cruelty.

“Granted, accidents do happen,” she said. “But people often don’t help to guard against it.”

Harvey said the police department is also receiving a lot of calls regarding people leaving their dogs in cars.

“They are out with their dog in the air conditioned car, and they think, ‘Oh, I’ll just run into the store for a minute.’ Then forty-five minutes later they come outside to find us (getting ready) to get into their car to get the dog out.”

“People aren’t thinking ahead,” Harvey said.

Harvey encourages placing water in the shade and also discourages people from taking their dogs jogging with them during extreme heat.

“Animals are closer to the ground so they get heat from the asphalt. It also can burn their feet,” Harvey said.

“We had several dogs die from heat stroke last year, and every one of them was within two blocks of their home.

Those who work out of doors are urged to take precautions to avoid heat-related illness.

“Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside,” according to the NWS. “When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.”

The Oklahoma State Department of Health recommends the following heat-illness prevention tips:

• Drink more fluids, regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. (Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.)

• Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar; these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.

• Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.

• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.

• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

• NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.

• Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on infants and young children, people aged 65 or older, people who have a mental illness, and those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure.

If you must be out in the heat, try the following:

• Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.

• Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat; however, if you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage.

• Try to rest often in shady areas.

• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels).